On The Square Sponsored by Heartland Bank The Quarterly Newsletter for the McLean County Museum of History

Volume 45, Number 4 December-January- February 2013-14 Braceros Subject of Museum Talk The Museum is pleased to welcome Dr. Mireya Loza, assistant professor in the Department of Latina/o Studies and History at the University of Illinois. Dr. Loza will present Braceros on the Boundaries: Activism, Race, Masculinity, and the Legacies of the Bracero Program . Her talk explores the impact of the bracero program, a controversial Mexican guest worker initiative of the 1940s. The program will be held on Tuesday, February 25, at 7:00 p.m. in the Museum’s Governor Fifer Courtroom. Free and open to the public, this event is being held in conjunction with the Museum’s current exhibit ¡Fiesta! A Celebration of Mexican Popular Arts. Millions of Mexican workers crossed the border to work in more than half of the states in the U.S., including Illinois. Loza will discuss the bracero program, its impact on the history of this region, and its lasting legacy. Dr. Loza earned her Ph.D. in American Studies from Brown University. Her dissertation and talk are based on her work with the National Museum of American History’s Bracero History Project. This program is made possible in part by a grant from the Illinois Humanities Council, the National Endowment for the Humanities, the Illinois General Assembly, and support from COUNTRY Financial.

Christmas at the Courthouse Inside this issue: History Reads Book Club . . . . 2 Just Around the Corner Cemetery Walk ...... 2 The Museum’s 23rd Annual Christmas at the Courthouse , will be held on Gift shop stocking stuffers . . . 3 Saturday, December 7 from 11:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. In keeping with ISU Championship cap . . . . 3 the December 7 (Pearl Harbor) date, activities will focus on crafts and Interns ...... 4 games popular during the World War II era. Kids Corner ...... 4 Bring your family and friends for some food, fun, and holiday cheer. Meet Nancy Flanagan ...... 5 Visit with Santa, listen to holiday music, try a craft, play a game, and Old Hoss play ...... 5 enjoy hot cider, punch, and cookies. Tax Planning ...... 6 The Museum will also be collecting Focus on Volunteers . . . . . 7 nonperishable food donations for Farmers Market ...... 7 the Clare House. New to Collections ...... 8-9 This event is brought to you by Calender of Events . . . . . 10-11 State Farm and is free and open to New Members ...... 11 the public. Mystery History Quiz . . . . . 12 On The Square History Reads 2014 Picks Offer Quarterly Newsletter Something for Everyone Volume 45, Number 4, 2013-14 Do you enjoy reading historical fiction, nonfiction, biographies, or local history? If you do, join our History Reads book club, a joint program offered by the Museum and Bloomington Public Library. This free program Edited by is open to the public and held in the Museum’s Governor Fifer Courtroom. Susan Hartzold Each book discussion begins at 7:00 p.m. and lasts approximately one & Bill Kemp hour. Participants are welcome to explore the Museum before or after each meeting. The 2014 schedule features Sundown Towns: A Hidden Dimension of American Racism by James Loewen (February 4), Rising Tide: The Great Mississippi Flood of 192 7 by John M. Barry (May 6), Devil in the White City: Murder, Magic and Madness at the Fair that Changed America McLean County Museum of History by Erik Larson (August 5), and Reading with Lincoln by Robert Bray 200 N. Main St., Bloomington, IL 61701 (November 4). Phone (309) 827-0428 Fax (309) 827-0100 www.McHistory.org Copies of each book are available for checkout at Bloomington Public HOURS Library or can be interlibrary loaned through your local public library. Mon., Wed., Thur., Fri. & Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday 10 a.m.-9 p.m.

STAFF Greg Koos, Executive Director Susan Hartzold, Curator of Collections and Exhibits Bill Kemp, Librarian/Archivist 2013 Cemetery Walk a Huge Success Jeff Woodard, Dir. of Marketing & Comm. Affairs Candace Summers, Director of Education The Museum has heard from many visitors that this year’s Cemetery Rachael Kramp, Education Program Coordinator Beth Whisman, Director of Development Walk was “the best ever.” Over 8 days, 8 actors shared their stories 130- Deb VanAntwerp, Dir. of Volunteers and Interns Torii Moré, Curator of Digital Humanities plus times before 1,882 students and 1,601 adults. George Perkins, Archivist Thanks belong to our dedicated and hard-working volunteer tour guides Harlan Fuller, Bookkeeper Betty Turchirollo, Volunteer Assistant who were all well prepared and did a fabulous job. The script-writing and Tod Eagleton, Registrar Amelia Hill, Development Assistant acting were also first-rate. We would also like to thank those members who OFFICERS donated additional funds this season to help hundreds of students attend the Craig Alexander, President walk. Without this additional support, these students would not have Carolyn Yockey, First Vice President Russel Francois, Second Vice President been able to experience Sandra Harmon, Secretary John J. Killian, Treasurer this award-winning Rob Fazzini, Immediate Past President educational program. DIRECTORS Next year we will be Phani Aytam John B. Meek Brad Briney Pam Muirhead celebrating the twentieth Willie Brown Ann Sullivan Amelia Buragas Paul Van Ness anniversary of the Jay Groves Robert Watkins Cemetery Walk by Nancy Flanagan Bill Wetzel Jr. Sally Heffernan Richard Wilson bringing back favorite Michael G. Matejka Bill Zimmerman characters from past John McIntyre years. There will also PAST PRESIDENTS David Ashbrook Steve Wannemacher be one “Fan Favorite” Rob Fazzini Robert Watkins character chosen by Edward B. Jelks Chuck Wright Benjamin J. Rhodes Carol Struck you, the public. Please Don Skaggs Michael G. Matejka This year’s Cemetery Walk cast and crew (back row visit the Museum’s DIRECTORS EMERITI left to right): Danny Rice, Rick Jensen, Lyuda Kizer, website at www.mchis - Barbara Allsup Edward B. Jelks Gregory Hicks, Julie Kistler, Rhys Lovell, Gabrielle tory.org to cast your David Ashbrook James A. Stahly Carl Behr Carol Struck Lott-Rogers, Kevin Wickart; (front row left to right): vote today. John Bowles III Steve Wannemacher Rachael Kramp, Candace Summers, Deb Van Nancy Froelich Chuck Wright Antwerp, Donna Anhalt, Judy Brown.

2 Find Great Stocking Stuffers at the Museum Find the perfect gift(s) for that history lover in your life. Visit the Museum’s On the Square gift shop for a wide variety of history items for young and old alike. Choose from a variety of gifts such as posters from past exhibits, “I Heart History” t-shirts, mugs, tote bags, notepads, pen sets, cookbooks, books on local history topics (many by local authors), books on Abraham Lincoln, and more. One of the Museum’s best-selling books and a popular gift last Christmas was Pages from the Past by Museum Librarian Bill Kemp. The soft cover book is still available for $10. New local history books include The Bloomington-Normal Circus Legacy: The Golden Age of Aerialists by Maureen Brunsdale and Mark Schmitt. This book introduces readers to some of the performers who called Bloomington- Normal home from the 1870s to the 1950s. The soft cover book sells for are available for purchase. And $19.99. Some of our favorite books include: Abraham Lincoln Traveled this don’t forget, membership to the Way: The America Lincoln Knew ($36); Fifty-Nine in ’84: Old Hoss Radbourn , Museum also makes a great gift! Barehanded Baseball, and the Greatest Season a Pitcher Ever Had ($25.99); Finally, a 50 percent discount on Sears Homes of Illinois ($26.99); Lincoln’s Ladder to the Presidency: The Eighth any clearance items purchased in Judicial Circuit ($34.95); Hazle Buck Ewing: Promoter of Peace on Earth and Goodwill the gift shop is being offered from Toward Men ($24.95); and Lincoln’s Forgotten Friend: Leonard Swett ($34.95). now until December 31. We also have stocking stuffers, including a large selection of postcards and For more information or any note cards featuring the Museum (also known as the Old Courthouse), the questions, please contact the Lincoln Bench, Miller Park, the David Davis Mansion, Evergreen Memorial Museum’s Education Department Cemetery, the Barn Quilt Heritage Trail, and more. Prices range from 50 cents at [email protected] or to $1 each. Not sure what gift to give for Christmas? On the Square gift certifcates by phone at 309-827-0428. Championship Hat Sales to Benefit Museum History, Hollywood, and sports heroes have inspired a unique fund raiser for the Museum. Local sports history fans have a chance to own a unique piece of baseball memorabilia that also benefits the Museum. In 1969, the Illinois State University baseball team won the school’s only national collegiate sports title in Redbird history. Coach Duffy Bass and future Atlanta Braves pitcher, Buzz Capra, led the team to the NCAA College World Series, defeating Southwest Missouri State University 12-0 in Springfield, Missouri. Today, ISU is offering a replica hat from the 1969 NCAA College Division National Championship team exclusively through the Museum’s On the Square gift shop in downtown Bloomington. This limited-edition baseball hat was created by Ebbets Field Flannels, the same company that designed and produced the handmade replica Negro League and Minor League uniforms featured in the Jackie Robinson biopic “42.” “Given the fine work the McLean County Museum of History does to keep our local story safe, alive and acces - sible, it's a natural place to offer this exciting piece of the Illinois State University story," said R.C. McBride, director of trademark and licensing at ISU. The 1969 Redbird hat will be sold for in the Museum’s gift shop for $40 plus tax. It won’t be available anywhere else. Proceeds from the sales benefit Museum programs. The cap features the team’s rarely used ISU logo on black and red wool baseball fabric, an adjustable leather hatband and vintage green satin trim under the hat bill. Each hat is embroidered with “1969 Illinois State” inside its band. The replica hats are expected to be delivered by Christmas. Interested baseball history fans can reserve their hat by contacting the Museum at 309-827-0428 or by emailing Director of Development Beth Whisman at [email protected]. 3 A Trio of Fall Museum Interns Jared Logan is a senior at Illinois State University majoring in political science and history with a focus on civic engagement and responsibility. Jared has been preparing for the transition from college to law school, which he plans to attend next year. Bringing his passion for history from his home in Rock Island, Jared is a public programming intern working with the Education team. He helped implement this year's Evergreen Cemetery Discovery Walk and is working with the Museum's program coordinators to provide educational opportunities to visitors of every age. Through this experience Jared is honing his program facilitation skills and is working to instill a passion Kenny Tymick and respect for history in the community. When not busy at the Museum, running, reading, and talking politics are his favorite pastimes. Kenny Tymick , a senior at Illinois Wesleyan University, is currently working in the Museum's Library Jared Logan as an archival processing intern. A history major with a minor in Russian language and literature, he is prepared to graduate early in December 2013. Kenny has been processing some of the Museum's collections to create more in-depth and efficient finding aids. He hopes to develop a further understanding of a typical archive's work environment while contributing with skills he has already learned from prior experiences. The experiences Kenny brings to the Museum include a summer working with the David Davis Mansion and IWU’s Tate Archives to coordinate the Sarah Davis Letters project, which involved the uploading of hundreds of Davis family letters to an online archive for the public to view. Merry Thomas While working for the Tate Archives, he was tasked with processing new donations, updat - ing finding aids, and designing exhibits for the first-floor display case at Ames Library. With these experiences, Kenny is already knowledgeable on a variety of aspects of McLean County’s rich history and is excited to put his experience and talents to use at the Museum. Merry Thomas is a senior at Illinois State University with a major in history. She has always enjoyed visiting museums. After finishing school she would like to work for one, or for another not-for- profit organization. Merry considered this internship an opportunity to see if working for a museum would be a good career choice for her. So far she likes it a lot. Merry works in Collections with Susan Hartzold, curator of collections and exhibits. Her project entails creating a small display featuring local women’s clothing Interns- continued on page 5

4 Meet Board Member Dr. Nancy Flanagan How did you get involved in the Museum? My abundance of opportunities in many areas. husband [Illinois State University President Timothy J. What role do you think museums can play in Flanagan] and I recently moved to Normal and I con - the digital era? Museums serve as a repository for tacted Greg Koos to request a tour. In our previous information which is not unlike the role of libraries. town, I volunteered for the Framingham History All museums, therefore, are positioned perfectly for Center in Framingham, Massachusetts and found it to disseminating information in the latest format as long as be a wonderful way to get to learn about our new the funding is available. Museums help us to see our past hometown. so that we understand the present and better plan for the Where were you born and raised? I was born in Erie, future. Pennsylvania and lived there with my parents and What is your “day job?” I am a retired nurse and nursing siblings for 21 years. professor. I now volunteer at Illinois State University Where did you go to college? My baccalaureate degree where my husband is the president. is from Villa Maria College, now part of Gannon What is the last good movie you’ve seen? We just University in Erie, PA. I also have a master’s degree moved within the last three months and things have from Russell Sage College in Troy, NY and a PhD from been a bit busy so I do not remember the last movie we Texas Woman’s University. saw. What special qualities do you bring to the Board? I What do you like to do for relaxation? I like to hope to bring enthusiasm, willingness to work, and a walk our dog, read, kayak, play golf, visit local areas of desire to learn about McLean County. interest (such as museums, theaters, parks, historic sites What are your impressions of McLean County? The and buildings, art galleries, athletic venues, etc.) and community is friendly and welcoming, and has an visit with our family which includes four grandchildren.

Old Hoss Coming to the Museum The Museum, in collaboration with Illinois Voices Theatre, will present the original play Old Hoss by Jared Brown this coming March. During the play, Bloomington's hot-tempered Baseball Hall of Fame pitcher is forced to come face to face with his past. Rhys Lovell returns as Old Hoss (his first performance nearly stole the show during the 2004 Cemetery Walk). The cast will also include John Bowen and Danny Rice. Performances will be March 7 and 8, at 7:00 p.m., and March 9 at 1:00 p.m. Tickets will go on sale Monday, February 3, and can be purchased in advance at the Museum by phone, 309-827-0428, or at the door the day of each performance. Seating is limited to 112 per performance so buy your tickets early. Watch for more information in the Museum’s February monthly mailer and on the Museum’s Facebook page. “Old Hoss” Radbourn

Interns - continued from page 4 the business labels attached to them, Merry found that many came from from the 1910s, a period in which she local shops across the street from the Museum. Also, because of the has great interest. The collection of Museum's records, she was able to discover who wore these items and clothes at the Museum is extensive, for what occasion, whether for a wedding or a graduation, or even just for and she had to find those that everyday. spoke of the time period as well as Merry hopes that the experience she gains with this project will help her in the McLean County community. a future career, but mostly she is glad to have the opportunity to get a Through looking at the clothes and glimpse of what it would be like to work for a museum.

5 Tax Planning Goes Year-round Upper-income taxpayers have many new levies to worry about and plan for this year. Some of these arose from the compromise over the expiration of the “Bush tax cuts”; others were enacted with the Affordable Care Act, but were given delayed effective dates. Taken together, these provisions could greatly raise the reward for effective tax planning. When the stakes are this high, it’s better not to wait until year-end to start your tax planning moves. Here we look at just one issue.

Net investment income This year there is a new 3.8% tax on net investment income above $200,000 ($250,000 for marrieds filing jointly). The tax applies to the lesser of net investment income or the amount by which modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) exceeds the threshold amount. Here’s how it works for three singles. Example 1. Bob has $100,000 in salary and $75,000 of net investment income. No tax is due, as his MAGI didn’t cross the threshold. Example 2. Carol has $350,000 in salary, no net investment income. The 3.8% tax does not apply if there is no investment income. Example 3. Ted has $300,000 of net investment income, no salary. The amount over the threshold, $100,000, is subject to the new tax, so he’ll owe $3,800 on the excess, in addition to any other taxes on the investment income.

What’s in and what’s out What is net investment income anyway? Here’s the breakdown: Net investment income includes: Net investment income does not include: • interest; • IRA distributions; • dividends; • pension income; • rents; • qualified plan distributions, such as • royalties; 401(k) plans; • capital gains (long- and short-term); • tax-exempt municipal bonds; • annuity income; and • veterans’ benefits; and • passive activity income. • the excluded portion of gain from the sale of a principal residence

Income sources that aren’t subject to the new tax may push a taxpayer into the taxable area. For example, a major IRA distribution in a single year might move a taxpayer over the threshold. Example 4. Alice has $200,000 of net investment income. So far, no 3.8% tax, because she’s below the taxable threshold. Now Alice decides to withdraw $50,000 from her traditional IRA. The withdrawal itself isn’t taxed, but it does push $50,000 of her net investment income into the taxable area.

Tax planners have come up with a number of strategies to keep exposure to the tax on net investment income under some control. For example, investing for growth instead of income gives the taxpayer a measure of control over timing the realization of income. Distributions from Roth IRAs are exempt from the tax, as is municipal bond income. Most important, spot check for exposure to the tax throughout the year, so as to avoid painful surprises at tax filing time.

(August 2013) © 2013 M.A. Co. All rights reserved.

We would be glad to help with any financial planning needs you may have. Give us a call today.

6 Indoor Farmers’ Market Begins December 21 The Museum, in partnership with the Downtown Bloomington Association, will kick off the third season of the Indoor Farmers’ Market beginning Saturday, December 21 from 10:00 a.m. until noon. The Museum will host the inside Market every third Saturday of the month through April, and will offer fresh produce, meat, and live music. This year’s dates include December 21, January 18, February 15, March 15, and April 19. The December 21 Holiday Market will include 24 vendors offering homegrown produce, baked goods, hand - crafted art, and more. The Museum’s On the Square gift shop will also be open. Plan some down time and keep it fresh with the Indoor Farmers’ Market. Free parking is available as well as free admission to all Museum exhibits during Market hours. Focus on Volunteers

Because Deb Amdor’s family moved to Bloomington-Normal from Iowa when she was two-and-a-half years old, she is, for all intents, a McLean County native. Downtown Bloomington played a large role in her childhood. Deb has many fond memories of the department stores, dime stores, and other businesses that lined the Square and the many weekends she and her friends would meet there to share a fountain Coke and pass the time. Being able to sit at the reception desk today and look out on the Square is only one of the reasons Deb has volunteered at the Museum for the past three years. Our beautiful interior was another draw for her. "I love to sit at the desk and look at the building's interior. It's an amazing space," she says. Deb came to us through RSVP (Retired and Senior Volunteer Program) shortly after retiring from her job in research at State Farm. She enjoys history and old homes. She has served as a docent at the David Davis Mansion as well as the Moore Home in Clinton, so working at the Museum seemed like a good fit for her. Deb says that volunteering at the Museum has increased her knowledge of our area. “I've read all of the cemetery walk biographies and have learned so much about the people of McLean County,” she remarks. “Many ordinary people had what I think were extraordinary lives. It was through their efforts that we are where we are today.” When Deb is not working at our Museum she can frequently be found at Advocate BroMenn, another place that is close to her heart. Deb believes in giving back and urges all newly-retired residents to find an avocation soon after they retire, and to give back to the community which has given so much to them and their families during their working lives. As for herself, Deb says, "I like to be busy and help where I can. If I'm a part of an organization, I feel I need to support it however I can, with my time and with my money." Deb leads a well-rounded life. Aside from volunteering she loves to travel, and she spends part of every year in Florida. She enjoys time at home baking, reading, and playing on her computer. Deb is also active in her church choir, participates in a Ladies' Night Out group, and hosts what she calls "domino play dates." Deb says the women involved keep the competitive nature of their domino tournaments to a minimum, focusing instead on enjoying their time with each other. This focus on enjoying her time as a retiree is what led Deb to choose the Museum as one of her volunteer activities. We're certainly glad that Deb Amdor she did!

7 New to the Collections

Objects songwriter, 1976; donated by Jim band) concert at Redbird Arena, K Steak ‘n Shake toy semi-truck and Wilson of North Street Records October 4, 1999; donated by Tod trailer, c. 1970; donated by Susan K Souvenir booklet, Miss Mclean Eagleton Smart County Pageant, May 22, 1965; donat- K Poster, first annual Corn Bowl foot- K Merna Grain Co. advertising yardstick, ed by Dorothy Myers ball game, November 27, 1947, c. 1948; donated by David Tannahill K Klemm’s Department Store business Carlton Field, Bloomington; donated K Citizens Defense Corps armband, c. papers; donated by Paul Vertin by Brian Simpson, Babbitt’s Books 1943; donated by Robert Erdman K Booklet, Holy Trinity Parish open K Travel Club of Bloomington materials, K Grandmother’s Flower Garden quilt house, May 3, 1965; donated by including membership books, made by Lena Nafziger, c. 1932; Nancy J. Miller minutes, treasurer reports, scrapbooks donated by Jeanette Hayslip K Three LPs, “World of Sound” (1968, and miscellany; donated by Marilyn K C&A Shops alarm bell, c. 1949; 1972, and 1980) by Associated Press, Freedlund on behalf of the Travel donated by Ron Prewitt which aired on WJBC AM 1230; Club K Macintosh 512K Computer, keyboard, donated by Don Munson K Time magazine mockup cover for mouse, cables, dust covers, and ZIP K Items relating to the life and statistics 1956 presidential election in the disks, c. 1985; donated by Kay career of Gary C. Ramseyer; donated event of a Democratic Party / Adlai E. Ramseyer by Kay Ramseyer Stevenson II victory; donated by K Children’s Theatre of Bloomington- K Three compact disc set, Grateful Dead Peter Berking Normal Hobbit is Coming advertisement Live at Illinois State University, Horton K GTE items, including several pinback button, c. 1985; donated by Fieldhouse, April 24, 1978; and two newsletters; donated by Sandra Voyles Suan Guess-Hanson compact disc set, Phish (rock and roll K Various booklets and other publications K “Butler’s Best” coffee can, c. 1920, and “Bloomington Quality Ice Cream” Kay Ramseyer recently donated a Macintosh 512K computer that serving tray, c. 1930; donated by Amy belonged to her husband Gary Ramseyer. Though not the oldest Miller object in the museum’s collection, this donation is a great reminder K Ensenberger’s miniature sofa furniture of just how far we’ve come technologically in a short amount of time. sample and doll, c. 1945; donated by Gary Ramseyer grew up in Iowa and received his PhD in educational Mary Doenitz Messamore and psychological statistics at the University of Iowa in 1965. In K Rock climbing rope, shoes, hold, carabiner, belay device, and harness August of that year, he accepted a position with Illinois State with bag; donated by Nick Flatley and University as professor of statistics, holding that position until his Upper Limits Indoor Rock Climbing retirement in 1998. He would have spent many hours at this computer Gym creating lesson plans and statistical scenarios for his students to solve. K “Bloomington Arena Ground Breaking” shovel, “Judy Tours” fan, The Macintosh 512K is a significant piece of technological history, and “Judy for Mayor” denim shirt, and was released to the general public in 1984. It was the second personal “Mayor Judy Markowitz” jacket; computer produced in a long line donated by Judy Markowitz of Apple Macintosh products. Apart from an increase in built-in, Archives random-access memory (or K Various, including flier for Knollcrest RAM), the 512K was identical to Court (Normal) block party, its Macintosh 128K predecessor, September 4, 2006; donated by Robert Apple’s first affordable personal Neuleib computer with a graphical user K Collection of Billy Sunday, an early twentieth-century evangelist, post- interface. cards, items relating to Adlai E. The 512K was Stevenson Memorial Lecture Series, discontinued in 1986, Lincoln Savings and Loan calendar, replaced by the and other items; donated by Judy 512K Enhanced Brown model which K Family papers and miscellany of introduced the Robert Streid of Chenoa; donated by 800kB floppy Paul J. Johnson disk drive. K Two Hours Wasn’t Enough, vinyl record by Bob Poulsen, a local singer-

8 Collections - continued from page 10 relating to McLean County History, Stevenson Captures Presidency in 1956? including architectural tour booklets Confused? We are too! Of course, history tells us that President for downtown Bloomington, Franklin Dwight D. Eisenhower and Vice President Richard M. Nixon won Park and Victorian Bloomington; donated by Eula Patzer re-election in 1956. So what are their Democratic challengers, Adlai K Bloomington Junior High School E. Stevenson and running mate U.S. Sen. Estes Kefauver of orchestra LP, spring 1966, Bonzie M. Tennessee, doing on the November 12, 1956, Time magazine cover Gilbert, director, and other items; with the words “The Winners” below their portraits? donated by Amy Miller This curious item was donated to the Museum by Peter Berking, K Nine Civil War letters from Frank Leeper, Company A, Eighth Illinois whose father Max Berking was an advertising executive and a Infantry, 1861-1863; donated by Democratic Party leader from Westchester County, New York. Richard T. Roberts Somehow, Berking, who worked on behalf of the Stevenson- K Correspondence, campaign materials, Kefauver campaign, received this planned Time cover, created in the speeches and miscellany related to Judy event (however unlikely, Markowitz’s political career; donated by Judy Markowitz given the popularity of “Ike”) K Binder related to the Adlai E. of a Democratic victory. How Stevenson Lecture Series, including he received it and by whom treasurer reports; donated by Dick has been lost to time. Max Johnson Berking passed away in 1997 K American War Mothers material, including convention booklets (1954 at the age of 80. and 1956) and newspaper clippings; donated by Velma Nordine This cover was the work of Boris K Illinois Railroads Then and Now—2012, Chaliapin, who created more CD researched and developed by Dale than 400 such images for Time Jenkins; donated by Mike Matejka between 1942 and 1970. Note that this donation is not the orig - Books inal Chaliapin painting, but a K Frankenbger family history, 1717- print on glossy paper. This 2004; donated by Randy spring, the National Portrait Frankenberger Gallery in Washington, D.C. K Trinitas, Trinity High School year- opened the exhibit Mr. TIME: book, 1949; donated by Nancy J. Portraits by Boris Chaliapin . It Miller runs through January 5, 2014. K Cardiff: Ghost Town on the Prairie (2006); donated by Amy Miller K Our Heritage: The Darrington Family Boyd exhibition at University Bloomington Club; donated by Mark Story 1854-1929, published in 2006; Galleries, Illinois State University, Dunn donated by Ruth McCroskey 2002, and The Movement to K Girls basketball team, Normal K Mission Hymns (published by the Americanize the Immigrant by Edward Community High School, 1903; Swedish Evangelical Mission George Hartmann (AMS Press, 1967 donated by Steve Young Covenant of America, 1921), used at reprint); donated by Greg Koos K Halloween party, no date, individuals West Olive Church (Swedish identified; donated by Jim White, Lutheran); donated by Anita Wagner Photographs Gridley Antique Shop K Escaping Hitler: A Jewish Haven In K Horatio Bent home, 1882, 401 West Chile by Eva Goldschmidt Wyman Graham Street, Bloomington; donated (University of Alabama Press, 2013); by Amy Miller donated by Eva Goldschmidt Wyman K Price School (Bloomington K Two genealogies, including one on the Township) students; donated by Bud John Morgan and Mary Flynn family; Alsman donated by Barbara McTygue Scanlon K Ancient Order of Hibernians banquet K Bodies of Work, catalogue for Harold and meeting, 1914, held at the

To make donations of photographs, books or archival materials call the Museum’s Librarian, Bill Kemp. If you have objects you wish to donate to the collection call the Museum’s Curator of Collections, Susan Hartzold. Both can be reached at 309-827-0428.

9 McLean County Museum of History Calendar of Events

Through January 16, 2016 The Greening of the Prairie: Irish Immigration and Settlement in McLean County For the past 200 years, Irish people have made their way to Central Illinois. This exhibit tells their story through historic objects, photographs, maps and more.

Through January 16, 2015 ¡Fiesta! A Celebration of Mexican Popular Arts Travel through time to learn about the rich history of Mexican culture and folk arts.

Through February 22, 2014 The Asian Indian Experience in McLean County Asian Indian immigrants began arriving in McLean County in the 1960s. This exhibit explores the challenges they faced and explores the efforts made to maintain important traditions and practices while at the same time embracing American culture.

Third Saturday of every month through April 2014 Winter Farmers' Market Get your meats, eggs, and produce, and explore the Museum at the Downtown Bloomington Association’s Winter Farmers’ Market at the Museum. This event is free and open to the public. Visit the DBA’s website at www.downtownbloomington.org/farmersmarket to learn more.

Second Thursday of every month until May 2014 Lunch and Learn at the Museum Bring your brown bag lunch to the Museum’s Governor Fifer Courtroom from 12:10 to 12:40 p.m. the second Thursday of every month through May for a new topic to explore and discuss. These programs are free and open to the public and sponsored by Illinois Wesleyan University, the McLean County Museum of History, and the Collaborative Solutions Institute.

December 6 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Once Upon A Holiday First Friday Come and enjoy holiday music, a celebrity reading of ‘ Twas the Night Before Christmas, homemade cookies, hot apple cider, adult egg nog, and more. For more information about this event and a list of participating locations, please visit the Downtown Bloomington Association’s website at downtownbloomington.org/20/625.html.

December 7 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Christmas at the Courthouse Come in from the cold immediately following the Jaycees Christams parade. Enjoy holiday music, Christmas carols, homemade cookies, children’s crafts and activities, and a visit with Santa Claus. See page 1 for details.

December 24 and 25 Museum Closed for Christmas Holiday

10 December 31 and January 1 Museum Closed for New Year’s Holiday

February 4 7:00 p.m. History Reads Book Club Join the Museum and Bloomington Public Library for the first installment of the 2014 History Reads book club. The discussion will be held in the Museum’s Governor Fifer Courtroom. See page 2 for details. This program is free and open to the public.

February 17 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Presidents' Day Open House Our Presidents’ Day 2014 Open House will feature a new set of patriotic educational activities and games. Watch for more information in the Museum’s February monthly mailer and on the Museum’s Facebook page.

February 22 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Under the Dome Knit-In Grab your friends, needles, hooks and yarn and stop by the Museum to “knit for a bit!” This program is free and open to the public.

February 25 7:00 p.m. Braceros on the Boundaries: Activism, Race, Masculinity, and the Legacies of the Bracero Program Join the Museum for an evening with Dr. Mireya Loza, who will explore the history and impact of the Bracero program, a controversial Mexican guest worker initiative from 1942 to 1946. This program is free and open to the public. Please see page 1 for details.

March 7 through March 9 Old Hoss Mark your calenders for this upcoming play to be presented at 7:00 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 1:00 p.m. on Sunday. See page 5 for details.

For additional information on any Museum program, contact the Museum’s Education Department at [email protected] or call 309-827-0428. Free event parking is available on Saturdays and Tuesday evenings in the Lincoln Parking Deck one block south of the Museum on Front Street.

Salutations to New Members! The Museum would like to welcome the following new members: Nicholas J. Butzirus Jim Grossman Robert Parker Julie and Bob Dobski Peggy Heinz Betty Phillips Richard L. Folse Danielle and Mr. John Kim Karen Remsberg Dennis and Janet Fries John D. McIntyre Ed and Sarah Riehl Jim Fruin Jan Meadows Bonnie J. Schultz Gary Faulk Barbara Nafziger Debra Wozniak Steve and Kathy Gossard Virginia J. Pace Rachel Wickart

Thanks so much for your support!

11 Mystery History Last issue’s photograph, an aerial view of the September 28, 1952, fire at the Dodge-Dickinson Co. mattress factory on East Lincoln Street in Bloomington, was an easy one for many history sleuths. Fed by mattress stuffing and other highly combustible material, the superheated blaze left seven fire - men overcome by the extreme temperatures. The radiating heat even baked the apples hanging from a tree in John W. Behnke’s yard (he lived at 702 East Lincoln). The fire gutted the factory, and management decided against rebuilding, ending the manufacturer’s 75-plus years in operation. For this issue, can you identify this scene—both the location and context? If you think you Those who guessed correctly know the answer, contact Librarian Bill Kemp via email at [email protected] , or by phone include Jim Armstrong, Ed Cronic, at 309-827-0428. Arlin Ehrlich, Robert E. Handley, Jack Keefe, Dave Kraft, Dean Kunz, John Littlefield, Mike Matejka, Harry Stern, Michael Thompson, Carolyn Winterroth, and Jeanne Wroan. If we left anyone off this list, our apologies. For Donna “Dede” Dodge-Bischoff, the photo brought back memories—to say the least! “In 1952,” she writes, “my father, H.M. Dodge, was the CEO and my husband, Robert Bischoff, worked for him. It was a family tragedy which turned out to be a stepping stone to other worthwhile challenges.”

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